Press Release
December 8, 2010

8TH TAYO AWARDS CELEBRATES PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

A group of individuals in Mindanao took the initiative to build ecological sanitation toilets in upland marginal areas because of lack of water for flushing. Another group focused on creating an artificial underground structure increasing the ground's ability to absorb water to address the issue of flooding in their community in Visayas. Yet another sought to revive cultural and ethnic pride in Ifugao amidst increasing diaspora.

These aren't groups in government or NGOs funded by large donors. These are enterprising youth organizations in the country, and just some of the finalists in this year's search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations. Running on it's 8th year, TAYO 8 Awards is proof positive that public-private partnerships in the Philippines is alive and thriving.

The groups mentioned above are some of the finalists in this year's awards. The Association of Locally Empowered Youth-Northern Mindanao (ALEY-NM) took on the task of helping out their community in addressing their sanitation problems. Farmers there obtain water from far-off creeks, which aren't enough even for a proper sewage system. This prompted ALEY-NM to create EcopPee--collecting urine to be used as fertilizer. They also took on the task of collecting rainwater for household use.

The Pag-asa Youth Association (PYA) Talisay Chapter focused on the flooding problem in their community. They created an artificial underground structure called Ground Permeability Enhancer (GPE) to increase the ground's ability to absorb water. They dig a hole deep enough to reach the sandy layer of soil. They used hollow blocks to fill the hole then added rocks and soil. The spaces in between then act as channels where water can enter and be evenly distributed. Pretty clever for an organization composed mainly of out-of-school youths.

The Ponchon and Maanichar Centennial Batch Association, Inc. sought to generate income to help in developing their community and preserving the culture surrounding the Ifugao rice terraces. Troubled by the slowly eroding interest among the youth of their heritage, the group developed the Mayoyao Eco-Cultural Tours--attracting both local and foreign tourists.

The Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Awards was launched in 2002 through the initiative of Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan. It has since gained support from various government and private companies looking to encourage the youth in nation-building. This year Coca-Cola will give P50,000 cash grant to all TAYO winners.

The winners will be announced on December 9, 2010 at a ceremony hosted by Malacanang and his excellency President Benigno Aquino III at 9:00AM.

TAYO Awards Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit foundation which aims to promote the convergence of stakeholders and policies for effective national and local governance.

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